What the GMTG Performing Arts Group (on Linkedin) Is About

Hi All

As we're close to reaching 50 members, I thought I should say a few words about what our group is for, and celebrate what we've done so far. GMTG Performing Arts Group, is a networking group, to allow arts professionals to connect and network online with one another. It was originally founded for members and Alumni from Birmingham University's Guild Musical Theatre Group, who will continue to play a part in it. But as many people pointed out, it would be useful to involve other artists and creative as well, to help the arts, and so I have opened this group for all who are willing to join.

Since then, many others have begun joining our group, and we now have a diverse range of artists, creative and arts enthusiasts, who can combine passion, and skill, to create many new opportunities for each other. But this group is more than just another social media group. It is also a showcase to the business community.

The reason I chose LinkedIn to host this group, is that LinkedIn is deliberately designed for business networking. Anyone who is serious about networking online usually has a LinkedIn profile: and more importantly, the kind of people looking at LinkedIn groups online, are the ones who control the funding and resources for your businesses.

Many times, I have heard the cliché that the performing arts isn't really a profession people should go into. Many of you are living proof that that simply is not true. From my work in HR, I know that a profession is a profession, no matter what it is or what it involves. All professions are hard, and all have their challenges. But that is why we build networks to support professionals in the field, and to create opportunities. This is one such group, that I hope in time, will be build into an arts network for all its members.

As well as being an online group I have been hoping to hold some events, to allow people to exchange contact details and information. I have been speaking to one of our members, Jess Swift, about a possible Q and A session,  involving members and Alumni of GMTG among others.

Also, as per the suggestions of West End Producer, Tristan Baker, I plan to invite all former leaders and organisers of GMTG - I personally want all former committee and production team members who work in the arts - to join our group, and help build this up even more.

So if you know anyone who works in the arts or entertainment industry, including members and Alumni of GMTG, then please do invite them to our group. And in the meantime, you are more than welcome to make use of this group for networking, contacts, job opportunities, resources and ideas.

Welcome one and all to the GMTG Performing Arts Group.

Best Regards

James M

Founder